Do citizens of South Africa need a visa for Bulgaria?

Visa required

Yes. South Africa passport holders need a visa for Bulgaria and must get it before the trip, from an embassy or consulate.

Entry rule: Visa required
Length of stay: Set by the visa
Where to get it: Embassy or consulate
Last checked: Nov 9, 2026

Embassy or consulate Document checklist

Visa rules change often. Always confirm with the official embassy or government site before you travel. Source: Passport Index dataset (MIT), refreshed Nov 9, 2026.

Bulgaria missions in South Africa

EmbassyPretoria

embassy of Bulgaria in South Africa, Pretoria

Data completeness90%

Address

1071 Stanza Bopape street, Pretoria

Phone

+27 12 342 37 20

Website

mfa.bg

Opening hours

Not yet verified

Also covers

Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Schengen visa statistics at this consulate

Year 2025

Applications: 713
Visas issued: 524
Refused: 109
Refusal rate: 17.2%

Multiple-entry share: 12%

Source: European Commission, visa statistics for consulates

Directions Call Official site

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Source: Wikidata Q106649698 · OpenStreetMapRecord updated: Feb 5, 2026

How a Schengen visa application works

A Schengen visa allows up to 90 days in any 180-day period and is valid in all 29 Schengen countries.
Apply at the consulate of the country that is the main purpose of the trip. If the purposes are equal, apply to the country where you will stay longest.
Applications are accepted from 6 months until 15 days before the trip. A decision usually takes 15 calendar days and can take up to 45.
Fingerprints are taken at the first application and can be reused for 59 months.

Schengen 90/180 calculator

Document checklist: South Africa → Bulgaria

General guidance for a short trip. Requirements change, so confirm with the official sources linked below.

Passport valid for at least 3 months after you leave the Schengen area and issued within the last 10 years.
Completed visa application form.
Recent passport photos.
Travel medical insurance with at least €30,000 coverage valid in all Schengen countries.
Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements of the last 3–6 months).
Employment letter or proof of business/studies.
Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation).
Return or onward ticket.

Only use the official government portal. Many look-alike sites charge extra.

South Africa missions in Bulgaria

embassy of South Africa in BulgariaEmbassy · Sofia · +359 2 939 5015See all

South Africa embassy & consulates in Bulgaria

Frequently asked questions